Kai Shun Classic White: award-winning Japanese kitchen knives
The Shun Classic White series is a spin-off from the Shun Classic series. Kai's flagship model. The Shun Classic White series consists of stunning kitchen knives made from 32-layered damascus steel, but unlike the Shun Classic knives, the Classic White knives have a handle made from light-coloured pakka wood. This contrasts with the black pakka wood of the Shun Classic knives. These knives look like traditional Japanese knives, both in materials and blade shape. They are beloved by amateur chefs and professional chefs alike. This series is comprised of six different kitchen knives: From a large bread knife to a small paring knife.
Features of Kai Shun Classic White
With the Shun Classic White series, Kai unites centuries-old Japanese forging art with modern production methods. The blade is made from damascus steel, like in the days of the samurai. This traditional and almost mythical forging art still forms the basis for many of their new products today. The Shun Classic White series is the perfect example.
Shun Classic White blade
The blade is a distinctive feature of this series. It is made from 32-layered damascus steel. This is a forging technique that uses multiple layers of steel and forges them on top of each other to create a unique pattern. Each pattern, and thus each blade, is unique. The core of the blade is made from VG-MAX steel. This is a stainless, Japanese type of steel with a hardness of 61 HRC, giving it excellent cutting properties. The layers of damascus steel were folded around this core. The result is an aesthetically-pleasing blade with the cutting properties of VG-MAX steel.
Shun Classic White handle
The handles are made from light-coloured pakka wood. These knives have a traditional D-shaped handle: a Japanese feature. This asymmetric D-shape ensures that the handle feels great in hand. It's different from a European chef's knife, as these have a symmetrical handle. The end of the handle has a steel end cap that provides a nice weight distribution and balance. The light pakka wood matches the polished blade and end of the handle nicely.
German Design Award 2021
The Shun Classic White series was awarded the German Design Award 2021. The judges' verdict: 'This timelessly beautiful series of cooking knives combines traditional Japanese forging and aesthetics with the requirements for modern professional use'. Justified praise for this wonderful knife series.